[Andhedrew]

I am about to purchase a Trident exhaust and I know I need the map for optimal performance. Will I NEED a Tuneboy or Power Commander as part of the exhaust modification? If not, what benefits do either really provide? And if I DO need one, which one would be best? I have a 2003 S3.

I've been doing some research on the matter but am still a bit confused as to whether or not one of these is needed with exhaust modifications.

 

[kuhlka]

Neither is really 'needed' persay, but you can do custom mapping with both. The main benefits for the Tuneboy is that you can pretty much change anything on the ECU with it and you don't have to leave it attached to the bike like the PCIII. PCIII is basically limited to simple tuning and dyno mapping. If you've got an 05+ you can even fix your speedo when you swap out sprockets. Handy bit of kit, that.

 

[Andhedrew]

Thanks Kuhlka. One more question... What should I expect to pay for the proper map from a dealer for my new exhaust?

(Ok, 2 more questions) And how long should it take them to do it? The nearest dealer is over a hundred miles away and I'm wondering if the bike will run decent enough with the new exhaust until I can get it in for the map.

(Oh, one more) Do I have to see a Triumph shop for the map, or can I get in done at any old sport bike service center?

 

[kuhlka]

You can get it done any place that does dyno tuning, but you might need to take along the tuneboy tutorial and show them how to use the software (even though it is a LOT like the power commander software). I've got a shop up in north Toledo called Dyno Power that actually just charges a FLAT RATE of like $300 to do a complete tuning. This is preferred and what I am going to do the next time I do any exhaust changes or put a turbo/SC on.

I went to Honda the other day and the effin' tech who did my bike last time had their shitty computer restarting on him, he couldn't get the tuneboy software to map to the ECU but he STILL charged me for 3 hours! That was $160 down the pisser. I'll never take the bike back there. If they don't charge a flat rate for the work, don't take the bike there. Otherwise, they can sit around and screw off, get nothing done, and then still charge you.

 

[Guest]

Tuneboy, no contest. You can use any PC tune with the TB. You have diagnostic and maintenance capabilities with the TB. The PC is a dumb box the simply intercepts signals and tricks the ECU. The TB gives you the ability to flash the ECU with a new map. The downside is most shops only speak PC but that just means you need to learn about mapping. Besides the brit humor, the real gem on t595.net is the efi discussions.

 

[Guest]

Hey, xrod is it true that you need a wide band lambda sensor in order to use the Tuneboy?

 

[Guest]

Not true at all. That's probably a rumour started by PC owners . To reap the full potential of the TB or a PC you either need dyno time or a wideband O2 sensor/program with data logging capabilities and a laptop. Of course with either one, you can download the tune that best applies to your bike and you may get lucky. More than likely you'll need to start tuning by the butt dyno and progress from there.

 

[Guest]

Hi xrod, do you know of a suitable wide band sensor that can read into a lap top while the computer is connected to TuneBoy??

 

[Guest]

A thread t595 addresses this very subject. http://www.t595.net/messageboard/thread.asp?thread=35575
I must confess that I don't have a wideband yet 'cause I'm still researching them but I'll order one within a month.

 

[Guest]

Xrod, thanks for the info. I read all of the posts. i think that i would get lost in all of the
tech stuff. However, when you get your setup I would be very interested in how you get it to work. i might buy the rig then. please keep us posted.

 

[Guest]

I have been using a LM-1 from http://www.innovatemotorsports.com/
It works well for tuning, but is a bit bulky. I plan on using the LC-1 wideband controller wired into the stock ECU for narrowband, and wideband for the gauge and datalogging.

 

[Guest]

Thanks DEV. I looked into innova before but decided to go the lazy route with PCIII. While I am thinking about to , how did you take incoming air temps with the cold air modification?

 

[Guest]

I use a K-type thermocouple (1/8 inch thick, lab quality Omega probe) and digital gauge. It is accurate and can be moved to any location. The gauge even records data.

I use them to record EGT's, pre and post intercooler locations, etc. in engines as well.